A survey of 2004 residents conducted by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports found that 58 percent of Singaporeans aged 18 and above had gambled in the past year.

Two in 100 residents in the mainly ethnic-Chinese nation exhibited signs of gambling addiction, a similar percentage to other majority-Chinese cities such as Hong Kong and Macau, the survey said.

Middle-aged Chinese men with post-secondary education and disposable incomes of S$2000 (US$1235 US) a month were found to be the group most susceptible to gambling addiction, it noted.

The survey, which precedes Monday's announcement by the government on its casino plans, also disclosed that Singaporeans who gamble wager an average $244 a month.

Sports results, overseas gambling and horse races were found to be the most popular ways for Singaporeans to get their punting fix.

Measures to tackle gambling-related problems in the city-state will be announced in parliament next week, the survey said.

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